With a shocking 6% of young motorists admitting to playing a mobile game whilst driving, experts look into new laws to ban the use of mobile phones behind the wheel. 

The driving experts at LeaseCar.uk are breaking down the new rule, including emergency instances, the alternatives available and the fines in place for breaking the law.

Government plans to strengthen road laws plan to punish offenders with a £200 fixed penalty fine and six points on their license.

Recent research revealed more than one in 10 young drivers admit taking a video or photo while driving, a further 6% revealed they have played a game whilst behind the wheel.

Although it has been illegal to use a phone while driving since 2003, there was a legal loophole which allowed drivers to take photos and videos from behind the wheel. 

New rules will ban drivers from picking up the phone in virtually any circumstance, unless the driver is parked in a safe spot or in contacting the emergency services with no safe or practical place to stop their vehicle.

A spokesman for LeaseCar.uk said: “Although it has been illegal to use a mobile device whilst driving for some years, there have been ways for drivers to avoid fines or points on their license.

“We believe these stronger laws being implemented will greatly improve road safety and help towards abolishing distracted driving.”

What motorists can do

Drivers who depend on mobile phones for navigation must ensure they have hands-free access. This can be through a bluetooth headset, a dashboard holder or mat, a windscreen mount, voice command or a built in sat-nav. The device must be mounted and secure in a position which does not block the driver’s view of the traffic ahead.

The law does, however, allow for motorists in emergency situations to use their mobile device whilst driving if they are contacting 999 or 112 and have no safe place to stop their vehicle.

What motorists can’t do 

Drivers cannot use their hand held mobile device under any non-emergency circumstances when behind the wheel, including when stopped at traffic lights,  queueing in traffic or supervising a learner driver. 

Potential penalties

Motorists who have passed their driving tests in the last two years will completely lose their license if found breaking the newly imposed mobile phone laws. 

For more experienced drivers, the consequences will be a £200 fine and six points on their license, with a potential to be taken to court and face even dearer fines of up to £1,000 (or £2,500 if driving a lorry or bus).

Any drivers caught using a hands free device in a manner that blocks their view may receive three penalty points if it is found they don’t have full view of the road head or proper control of their vehicle. 


Stats source: https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/news/driving-law/government-cracks-down-on-mobile-phone-driving-laws/